Find Family Court Records in Nevada County
Nevada County family court records for divorce, child custody, child support, domestic relations, and juvenile cases are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Prescott, the county seat, as part of the 8th Judicial Circuit of Arkansas. Court and land records in Nevada County go back to 1871. Free online case searches are available through the statewide Search ARCourts portal, which provides full information for Nevada County cases.
Nevada County Family Court Records Overview
Nevada County Circuit Clerk
The Nevada County Circuit Clerk is located at the Nevada County Courthouse, 215 E 2nd St, Prescott, AR 71857. The office can be reached at 870-887-3115. The Circuit Clerk maintains records for civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases. All family court filings including divorce petitions, custody modifications, child support actions, and orders of protection must be submitted to this office.
Court records in Nevada County date back to 1871, when the county was first established. The clerk's office keeps records of all circuit court proceedings, prepares dockets, issues summons and subpoenas, and serves as the ex-officio recorder of real property. County Clerk records including marriage and probate records also go back to 1871.
Nevada County is in the 8th Judicial Circuit of Arkansas, which serves several counties in southwest Arkansas. Judges in this circuit rotate among the counties on a regular schedule. If you need to know when a specific judge will be in Prescott for a hearing, contact the Circuit Clerk's office for the current court calendar.
The Nevada County CourtConnect page provides free online access to family court records including divorce, custody, and domestic relations cases filed in the county. No registration is needed to search.
Search Nevada County Family Court Records Online
The Search ARCourts portal is the main free resource for searching Nevada County family court records online. Search by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal returns docket entries, party names, the assigned judge, hearing schedules, and case status. Nevada County participates in CourtConnect with full case information available for most case types.
The portal is available around the clock and does not require you to create an account. Use it to find out if a divorce or custody case has been filed, check the current status of an existing case, or find a case number before going to the clerk's office to request documents. The search results include both active and closed cases in most situations.
E-filing through the statewide eFlex system is available for attorneys and some self-represented parties in Nevada County. Electronic filing lets you submit court documents without driving to Prescott. Check the eFlex resources page for instructions on how to register and what documents can be submitted electronically. If you need to file in person, visit the clerk's office during regular business hours.
Family Court Case Types in Nevada County
The Nevada County Circuit Court handles divorce, custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence, guardianship, juvenile dependency, and adoption matters. Divorce cases are filed under Arkansas Code § 9-12-301. Grounds for divorce in Arkansas include general indignities toward the other spouse and eighteen months of continuous separation. The filing spouse must have lived in Arkansas for at least sixty days before filing.
Child custody follows § 9-13-101, which establishes a presumption in favor of joint custody when both parents agree or when the court determines it is in the child's best interest. When parents disagree, the judge weighs multiple factors. In a county the size of Nevada, judges may know the parties involved, which is why having clear documentation of your situation matters more than in larger counties.
Child support is set using the Arkansas family support chart based on the income of both parents and the number of children. If income or living arrangements change significantly, you can file for a modification under § 9-14-107. The clerk can provide the modification forms, but you will need to complete them on your own or with legal help.
Juvenile records from dependency and delinquency cases are confidential under § 9-27-309 and do not appear in public search results. Adoption records are sealed under § 9-9-217. Orders of protection can be filed free of charge at the clerk's office during business hours. Emergency protective orders can be granted the same day and are followed by a hearing within ten days.
Fees and Copies in Nevada County
A new family court case costs $165.00 to file in Nevada County Circuit Court. This filing fee covers the basic domestic relations case. Other costs may include service of process, publication fees if a spouse cannot be located, and fees for other procedural steps. Ask the clerk for a full breakdown when you file.
Regular copies of records cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 each. Certified copies are needed when you want to register a court order in another state or provide proof of a divorce to a government agency. Requests can be submitted in person or by mail. Arkansas law requires advance payment for mailed requests under § 25-19-105.
Mail your records request to the Nevada County Circuit Clerk at the courthouse address in Prescott. Include the case name or number, the type of document you need, and a check or money order for the estimated cost. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return the copies to you. Call the office first at 870-887-3115 if you are not sure of the cost.
Legal Help in Nevada County
Nevada County residents who need legal help with family court matters and cannot afford a lawyer should contact the Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS). CALS provides free civil legal aid to income-eligible residents across Arkansas, covering divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence matters. Apply by calling their statewide intake line.
The Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation also has referral resources on their website. Self-help guides and downloadable court forms are available at arcourts.gov/directories/resources. Many common family court forms such as divorce petitions and custody modification requests can be found there and printed at home before going to file.
If you need a private attorney, the Arkansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a family law attorney. Many attorneys who practice in small counties like Nevada also serve clients from surrounding areas and will work with you by phone or email when an office visit is not easy to arrange.